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Himarë Castle and a Boat Tour
Today, it was time for us to return our trusty rental bike to its home in Himarë. There was a small traffic jam as we waited for a herd of goats to cross. On the way, we stopped in to visit Himarë’s old town: a historic district that includes the ruins from a castle built…
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Why You Should Add Dhërmi to Your Albanian Itinerary
As we wrap up our time in the Albanian Riviera, I wanted to write a general appreciation post for Dhërmi. When I was researching this trip, I heard a lot about Ksamil, but not as much about the many other villages along the coast. We chose to visit Dhërmi on a lark, and it has…
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Kayaking to A Hidden Beach Near Dhermi
Today, we set out for Gjipe: a small beach near Dhermi, Albania that’s surrounded by canyons. To get there, you can drive to a parking lot at the end of the paved road, and then continue on foot for about 30 minutes. Welcome to Gjipe! Crystal clear water and beautiful cliffside. What’s not to love?…
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Hiking the Maja e Qores Summit in Albania
The coastal town of Dhermi, Albania is close to Llogara National Park, which has some impressive mountain hiking. Yesterday, we rode up there and attempted the Maja e Qores hike, which is (ostensibly) a ~10km out and back. We followed Build & Board Travel’s instructions for accessing the trailhead (thank you!). After a bit of…
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Should You Rent a Motorcycle in Dhermi, Albania?
Actually, you can’t. But you can rent one in Himare! We said goodbye to Ksamil yesterday, and took a taxi up to Dhermi: a village about two hours north along the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi shares some similarities with Ksamil, but it is quite a bit smaller, and, inexplicably, even more beautiful. After a quick lunch,…
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Top Five Pool Options in Ksamil, Albania
At its heart, Ksamil is a beachside resort town, designed for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the beach vibes. The beaches are all lined with sunbeds, and as of 2023, the going rate for a pair of beds and an umbrella was around 2000 Lek per day (~20 Euros). However, I am much more of a…